The Blues returned to Cobham to begin pre-season on Monday, but with the first-day tests out of the way and after easing his players back into the swing of things with an initial light session on the grass, the hard work was well under way on Tuesday with morning and afternoon sessions out on the pitch.

It wasn't quite the hot summer weather usually expected during pre-season, with much of the work taking place under British summer showers, making good conditions for our goalkeepers at least.

Elsewhere it was an important opportunity for new head coach Enzo Maresca to spend plenty of time out on the pitch with his players, as he begins the process of establishing his tactics and vision for Chelsea with the squad.

Maresca had already spoken of his excitement at getting to work with his squad at Cobham during a busy first week for the Italian.

‘It’s been quite busy and that’s normal at the beginning. That’s always the same. You are trying to get to know all of the people around the training ground and some of the players who are already in. But the feeling is fantastic,' he said.

‘I’m very excited. One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.

‘I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.’